Traveling might not be your first priority for the new year, especially if you left town this holiday season. But 2009 could be a great time for deals on travel.

Gas prices are at 4-year lows, hotels are offering cheaper prices and the dollar has been gaining strength against foreign currencies.

"There are going to be some values out there,” said Tom Edgerton of Edgerton’s Travel Service.

Even though gas prices have dropped, the values in 2009 likely won’t cover airfare.

"The airlines have negotiated contracts for oil when the price were much higher and they're gonna be locked into those for a while," said Edgerton.

But there should be good deals on hotels.

“There are hotels that are suffering a little bit this year and you will find some bargains,” Edgerton said.

And if you’ve always wanted to travel to Europe? A strong American dollar means cheaper prices across the Atlantic.

"The costs on the ground over there for hotels and meals and everything, I think could be twenty, maybe even twenty five percent better than they have been over the last couple of years,” said Edgerton.

Some general travel advice: The worst days to fly are Monday and Friday; the best are Tuesday through Thursday.

Also, plan your trip before taking vacation time. That way you can take advantage of the best deals when they come along, Edgerton said.